November 2008
November 2008
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From the Editor
The Start of a Great Journey The first few months in the life of a new magazine—especially a magazine that’s covering a topic as exciting as decorative glass—can be a whirlwind adventure. This has been the case in the first three months since we launched DG. And let me just say, Decorative Glass magazine (and its editor) have been busy, busy, busy with travel. In September we went to the Glass Association of North America’s Fall Conference in Dallas (see DG News); in October we went to the GlassBuild America show in Las Vegas (see All Eyes On ...); and as I write this I’m … strike that … we (DG and me) are sitting in the Detroit airport waiting for a flight that will take us to Düsseldorf, Germany, and the all-encompassing glass-industry event, glasstec. Yes, DG and I are spending lots of time together, and this is only the first three months. You’re probably thinking to yourself “What’s she doing talking about DG as though it’s a person? Maybe she’s spending too much time on that magazine.” But before you sign me off as being a crayon short of a full box, remember what I wrote in the first issue: decorative glass, like any living being, is dynamic. I realized how true this is earlier today while I was walking through the tunnel here at the Detroit airport that connects terminals B and C to A. For anyone who has spent any amount of time walking around the Detroit airport, you’ve probably got a pretty good idea of where I am going with this. But for those of you not familiar, lighted, textured glass that constantly changes colors covers the walls of the tunnel. As I was walking through it today I watched as how with each of my steps the glass seemed to be moving and changing. It was dynamic. Now, as you read through the pages of this edition, you, too, will see how decorative glass has changed and evolved since its inception thousands of years ago. Greg Thompson’s article on page 6 really gives you a sense of not only how decorative and art glass have evolved, but also how it’s going to continue developing. And what drives these developments and changes? Just about anything. Look at what’s happening in the construction industry and the processes and techniques that are popular, such as LEED building. Architects and designers want to create an efficient building, but they also want more than a ho-hum box of a building. Instead, they are finding ways to implement glass—colored glass, textured glass, digitally printed glass—into their designs. Glass can be beautifully opaque yet still allow light, for instance, inside the building. These glass products can also be built into an insulating glass unit, which increases the energy-efficiency of the building. There really is no end in sight. So, do I think DG is a living being? Yes. This is a magazine designed for an industry that’s not going to sit still for long. And, of course, that means I also will not be sitting still for long since I am sure this magazine is going to keep me on my toes.
Decorative Glass |